Connect with new friends, build global networks and most importantly—have fun!
Each trimester the Griffith Mates host activities, networking events and day trips throughout Queensland for Griffith University's diverse student population. Our activities and events are hosted across Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses for both domestic and international students. We celebrate the rich, diverse culture at Griffith University through interactive games, activities and experiences that allow students to make new friendships and create lasting memories.
Trimester 3 2024
The Griffith Mates are delighted to invite all currently enrolled Griffith University, Griffith College and GELI students (domestic and international) to explore and register for our range of exciting events and activities on offer in Trimester 3.
International Student Buddy
The Buddy Program is designed to help ease the transition to uni life and provide a safe and comfortable environment for new international students to ask questions about Griffith, life in Australia, as well as practise English. It’s also a great way to make friends!
O-Week
Program launch: Buddy Meet and Match Event
Weeks 1–3
Buddy group activities
Week 4
Final buddy group activity and end of program celebration
Walk and Talk with Mates
Join the Mates for a nature walk and talk experience with Dr Wade Hadwin, Griffith's very own environmental science expert, as he shares his knowledge of the unique and fascinating flora and fauna we have on campus.
O-Week
- Thursday 31 October
- 11:30am to 12:30pm
- Nathan campus
Aussie Snacks and Wildlife
Meet Griffith Mates and make new friends before you start your first week at University. Enjoy Australian animal encounters from 1pm to 2pm, sample Australian snack foods and participate in an Aussie Slang challenge!
O-Week
- Friday 1 November
- 1:00pm to 2:30pm
- Gold Coast and Nathan campuses
Bush Care Brisbane
Join Grififth Mates to participate in Bush Care activities. Connect with the local community and make a difference, in collaboration with the Mount Gravatt Environmental Group.
OWeek
- Saturday 2 November
- 9am to 12pm
- Mt Gravatt Toohey Forest
Coastal Care Volunteering
Join the Griffith Mates for a Beach Volunteer opportunity to clean up the beautiful Gold Coast. Limited spaces are available.
OWeek
- Saturday 2 November
- 9am to 12pm
- Gold Coast - Main Beach/ The Spit
Study Abroad Meet and Greet
Are you a Study Abroad or Exchange student at Griffith? If so, join the Griffith Mates in Week 1 at the Unibar to meet your peers and Griffith Mates over a pizza lunch - whilst watching the iconic Melbourne Cup! The Griffith Mates will be catering for the pizza lunch, and you may choose to purchase your own beverages if you wish.
Week 1
- Tuesday 5 November
- 1pm to 2:30pm
- Gold Coast and Nathan campuses
- This event is open to Study Abroad & Exchange students only.
Fast Friends with Mates
Join Griffith Mates to create social connections, make new friends and participate in fun and interactive networking activities.
Week 1
- Wednesday 6 November
- 1:30pm to 2:30pm
- Gold Coast and Nathan campuses
Global Fest
Our Griffith Mates will be showcasing their diverse nationalities at our Global Fest. Visit the Griffith Mates pop up stalls to learn about another culture, sample local snacks, and play some games. Everyone is welcome!
Week 2
- Thursday 14 November
- 2pm to 3pm
- Gold Coast campus - G11 Library Shard
- Nathan campus - N76 Campus Heart
Get Active with Mates
Come along and join the Mates for this free social sport event. The Mates will host badminton, handball and volleyball. All abilities are welcome - this is not a competition event.
Week 3
- Wednesday 20 November
- 11am to 1pm
- Gold Coast and Mt Gravatt campuses
Mindfulness with Mates Arts and Crafts
Join the Griffith Mates to practice mindfulness, relax and destress by getting crafty and joining in on Arts and Crafts activities!
Week 3
- Friday 22 November
- 1pm to 3pm
- Gold Coast and Nathan Campus
Griffith Mates Daytrip
Join the Griffith Mates for a social day out, and to get up close and personal with koalas, hand feed kangaroos and attend Australian native animal shows!
Week 4
- Saturday 30 November
- Gold Coast - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Brisbane - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Ticket cost is $30 and includes entry to the wildlife park, lunch and a soft drink.
More details can be found in the event links.
International Night
Come and celebrate the diverse cultures we have at Griffith University. The Griffith Mates are excited to host an International Night at the Nathan and Gold Coast Campuses. A light dinner will be provided with plenty of activities and opportunities to connect with new friends!
Week 5
- Thursday 5 December
- 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Gold Coast and Nathan campuses
Summer Sizzle and Sports
Join the Griffith Mates for a classic Aussie barbeque, and an evening of sports!
Week 6
- Friday 13 December
- 4pm to 7pm
- Gold Coast - Broadwater Parklands
- Brisbane - Southbank Parklands
Christmas with Mates
Join the Griffith Mates for a Christmas celebration. Share how you celebrate this time in your home country, and participate in Gingerbread making and karaoke!
Week 7
- Thursday 17 December
- 1pm to 3pm
- Gold Coast and Nathan campuses